British minister 'concerned' by West Bank, Gaza violence

BETHLEHEM (Ma'an) -- The British minister for the Middle East expressed concern Wednesday about recent violence in the West Bank and Gaza, a statement from his office said.

"I am very concerned about recent developments in both the West Bank and Gaza. At this critical time for the two state solution, we need dialogue, not violence," Alistair Burt said.

The British minister condemned recent rocket fire and an Israeli airstrike on the Gaza Strip as well as the fatal stabbing of a settler near Nablus, calling on both sides to "take advantage of Egyptian-brokered talks to deal with key issues."

"Britain has been clear that 2013 is the vital year for peace in the Middle East. We will continue to work to ensure that the aspirations for peace of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples are met," he added.